Concussion Management

Orthopaedic Sport Institute is now an official Complete Concussion Management™ clinic. Concussions have become the focus for both professional and amateur athletes around the world, and OSI will continue to be at the forefront of concussion diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation with this collaboration. We utilize a comprehensive, multi-modal approach to concussions, based on current advances in concussion research.

What is a concussion?
A concussion can be simply defined as a disruption in neurological functioning following a significant impact to the head or elsewhere on the body. This causes a biochemical imbalance within brain cells as well as decreased blood flow and temporary energy deficits within the brain.

Following a suspected concussion, a player should be immediately removed from play, assessed and placed on complete rest in order to recover from the energy deficit. Studies have shown that any activity, both mental and physical, in the immediate days following concussion can delay the process of recovery and should be avoided until the athlete is completely symptom free.

What is baseline testing?
The biggest concern surrounding concussions comes from the energy deficit that occurs in the brain following injury. When the brain is in this low energy state, it has been well established that the brain is extremely vulnerable to additional trauma, where even smaller impacts can lead to another concussion; and these second concussions can cause severe brain injuries with potentially permanent or fatal outcomes.

The problem is that symptoms (meaning how someone feels) do not coincide with brain recovery. The only way to know when the brain has fully recovered and out of this “vulnerable period” is to compare current brain function to when the individual was healthy; this is what is known as a “baseline test”.

A baseline test is a battery of tests that measures every area of brain function that could potentially become affected following a concussion (you need more than computer tests!!). The reason that the test is termed a “baseline” is because it is done BEFORE the athlete gets injured. In order to know when an athlete has fully recovered, we first have to know where they were when they were healthy. Without having this information, there is no way to truly know when an athlete has fully recovered and is safe to return to their sport.

Complete Concussion Management™:
Complete Concussion Management™ is a concussion research company that educates healthcare practitioners on cutting-edge concussion therapies and management strategies based on the most current medical research so that they may provide the highest quality of concussion treatment and follow-up.

Certified Complete Concussion Management™ practitioners are continuously updated on current research and treatments in order to manage these injuries properly and safely to ensure adequate recovery, thereby limiting the risk of further injury and long-term brain damage.

Services:

Comprehensive baseline testing

Post-injury diagnosis and injury management

Concussion rehabilitation for Post-Concussion Syndrome

Coach & trainer education and certification programs (online)

Concussion Tracker Smartphone application

The CCMI Network:
Complete Concussion Management™ is the largest network of specialized concussion clinics in all of Canada. Athletes tested through our program can have preferential access to any CCMI certified clinic across the country. All of these clinics have received the same training, are conducting the same tests, and using the exact same equipment. This means that if you are baseline tested in your town and you are out of town for a tournament and you get a possible concussion, you can walk into that clinic and be tested and compared against YOUR OWN baseline!

Concussion Tracker Smartphone Application
Athletes and concussed patients can now log in to view their baseline test results as well as receive rehabilitation exercises, diet plans, and other recovery tips to help them along the way. The app also allows the injured patient (or their parents) to have around the clock communication with the treating clinician as well as provide an update on their symptoms and progress every single day…all from your phone!

Dr. Cheng is amazing, she treats you like she cares and not just like another patient. I was surprised when she called me personally to check on how I was doing after surgery. Very happy with everything!

Thank you dr Olivia Cheng for your amazing surgical work done on my knee for the second time . I wish I had come and met with your previously for my first knee surgery but you are a super star and I’m healing and recovering fabulously thanks to you and the amazing staff at your institute . The brace is amazing too , so looking forward to returning to work tomorrow after being off for 6 weeks ! Thank you again and don’t take this the wrong way I hope
Our paths won’t have to cross again , I’m very confident in this surgery being a success that I’m good to go and move forward 👍🏻dr Cheng was highly recommended and I cannot say enough about her and her staff .

It was 2 years ago today that I had a tragic accident and required surgery to repair the nerves and tendons in both my feet. I was referred here by a family member and quickly understood why they spoke so highly of the entire staff. From the moment I registered with the receptionist I felt welcome and comfortable. Darryl was my therapist and was very thorough and patient with me answering my many questions and explaining my treatment and assessment so that I could understand. With hard work and a lot of support and direction and treatment I was up and walking again ahead of schedule. I will always be grateful for the experience to be treated by this team of professionals and I continue to bring to my son here to be treated by the best!

Working with the great group of people at OSI over the last few months has changed the course of my life drastically after a motorcycle accident left me with extensive injuries. They have helped me develop my ability to heal and recover beyond a point I had not thought possible. The very motivating, knowledgeable practitioners and the friendly ladies at the front all help make an enjoyable experience on the road to recovery. I only wish I had come to them sooner!

The clinic is a unique source of help and information. From Dr Cheng and Todd Starr at the top to the wonderful women on the reception desk I have found nothing but help and support. The people are well trained, knowledgeable and very approachable. The exercise classes are really helpful for strengthening and flexibility. I recently had stem cell injected into my knee and I feel as though the results are very encouraging. The follow up support and care during this procedure have been first class. I would recommend the clinic to anyone.